Sunagakure, the meeting hall of the Kazekage Building.
At dusk three days later, the old Jonin finally returned to the village.
He was covered in dust and sand, and the tie of his Forehead Protector had been frayed by the wind.
Before he could even take a drink of water, the guards who had been waiting for him led him straight into the hall.
The hall was already full.
Granny Chiyo sat in the seat of honor, her eyes closed.
Beside her, Ebizo leaned on his cane, his expression grave.
Farther down, dozens of Sunagakure Jonin lined both sides, each holding their breath.
Only Baki lay half-reclined in a specially made chair in the corner. Bandages wrapped his chest in layer after layer, and with his ribs still unhealed, even sitting upright was a struggle.
"Did you bring back the letter?"
Chiyo did not open her eyes. Her voice was flat, betraying neither joy nor anger.
"Yes, Lady Chiyo. I brought it back."
The old Jonin presented the copied reply with both hands, his fingertips trembling slightly.
Chiyo took it, unfolded it, and read it from beginning to end.
Then she passed it to the Elder beside her.
"Read it."
The Elder cleared his throat and opened it before everyone.
"Konoha's reply has three points."
"First, Konoha agrees to trade. Its caravans will depart for the Land of Wind within three days, supplying grain, salt, iron, and medicine at fair prices. Sunagakure may buy on credit and settle its accounts later. Konoha will also purchase Gold Dust at ten percent above the black-market price."
"Second, discussion of the Five Kage Summit will be set aside for now. Granny Chiyo is asked to come to Konoha in person to discuss Sunagakure's affairs with the Fifth Hokage."
"Third, Konoha has recorded Akatsuki's